News - The Eastern Echo

Photo of a brick building with a green roof set behind sidewalk and a parking lot.

U-M Musical Society launches biannual Ypsilanti Freighthouse residency

By Lelaina MacDonald · Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

The University of Michigan Musical Society has its biannual residency at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse this September with many events and performances.

A man in a red chef's coat stands in front of his restaurant.

Ypsilanti restaurant unites West African diaspora through a blend of traditional flavors

By Laleh Walker · Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

In downtown Ypsilanti, a new restaurant has opened its doors, uniting the West African diaspora through a blend of traditional flavors.

A flyer announces the reopening of the YDL Michigan Avenue branch.

Ypsilanti District Library Michigan Avenue branch reopens after bed bugs

By Lelaina MacDonald · Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

The Ypsilanti District Library is now reopened after evidence of bed bugs was discovered earlier this week.

Two people dressed in medieval clothing sword fight outdoors.

Michigan Renaissance Festival returns to Holly, Aug. 22

By Lauren Holloway · Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

The Michigan Renaissance Festival offers a variety of unique experiences on fall weekends.

Gray recycling bin with blue lid and brown trash bin with black lid sit in the street. Brown trash bin reads, "Stevens Disposal & Recycling Service."

Double trash week returns to Ypsilanti, Aug. 24

By Lelaina MacDonald · Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026

Double Trash Week is coming to Ypsilanti on Aug. 24, 2026.

Five people sit at a wooden desk in the Ypsilanti Township civic center meeting room. Behind them, a projector shows an example of a 110-megawatt substation.

Ypsilanti Township issues land-use moratorium impacting data centers

By Lilly Kujawski · Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

Ypsilanti Township approved a land-use moratorium aimed at electric utilities that power data centers and other major infrastructure.

A graphic detailing a library closure due to bed bugs.

Ypsilanti District Library Michigan Avenue branch temporarily closed due to bed bugs

By Lelaina MacDonald · Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

Staff at the Ypsilanti District Library on Michigan Avenue found bed bugs and the branch is temporarily closed.

A colorful cow sculpture watches over the gardens at Growing Hope.

Ypsilanti Food Fest returns Saturday, Aug. 15

By Sam Peterson · Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026

Food Fest returns to Ypsilanti on Saturday, Aug. 15.

A grassy area surrounded by trees and woods.

U-M confirms Textile Road site for research computing facility

By Lilly Kujawski and Laura Meriweather · Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

The University of Michigan has confirmed its selection of a site for its research computing facility in Ypsilanti Township.

Illustration of an American elm tree showing a leaf, seeds and a close view of the bark.

Ypsilanti maps urban forest with state-funded grant

By Sam Peterson · Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Ypsilanti is using a state-funded grant to create urban forest inventories for the parks.

Three women standing in front of the HigherEd PodCon 2026 poster that includes the logos of various podcasts.

Lolita Cummings wins Higher Ed PodCon's podcaster of the year

By Lelaina MacDonald · Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

Lolita Cummings, the co-host and producer of EMU's mental health podcast, "Enlighten U," received Podcaster of the Year at the 2026 Higher Ed PodCon.

Environmental experts explain data center benefits, risks for communities

By Laura Meriweather · Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026

In recent years, data centers have become an increasingly contentious issue in communities around the country. As the field continues to evolve, some environmental experts and activists have been weighing its potential risks and benefits.

New chief officer discusses future of human resources department at Eastern Michigan University

By Lelaina MacDonald · Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

The human resources department at Eastern Michigan University has recently experienced staff changes. Curt Ellis, the new chief human resources officer, speaks about these changes.

The left side of the Ypsilanti District Library Bookmobile.

Ypsilanti District Library's Bookmobile brings library access to community

By Hannah Borders · Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

The Ypsilanti District Library Bookmobile makes stops around the Ypsilanti area to bring the library to those unable to make it to one of the buildings.

'You can eat lettuce again': MDHHS lifts recommendation to avoid produce

By AnnaBelle Favre · Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services now advises consumers resume routine guidance for eating fresh produce as new cyclosporiasis cases slow.

People at the beach sitting in chairs and in the water.

Independence Lake closes for swimming due to E. coli bacteria

By Lelaina MacDonald · Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

The Washtenaw Health Department announced the closure of Independence Lake for swimming due to high levels of E. coli bacteria.

Ypsilanti water systems not impacted amid multi-state cyber attacks

By Laura Meriweather · Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

Officials confirmed that Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority was not one of the municipal water systems impacted by recent cyberattacks across Michigan.

Groups of people sitting at a park for a concert.

Fun Fest returns to Ypsilanti for sixth year with 13 music acts

By Lelaina MacDonald · Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

Fun Fest 2026 will be held Saturday, August 8 at Frog Island Park.

A girl in a plane smiles while wearing a headset.

Eastern Michigan University and STEM Flights to host fifth annual Aerospace Day

By Laleh Walker · Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026

On Friday, Aug. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Michigan University's GameAbove College of Engineering & Technology, in collaboration with STEM Flights, will host its fifth annual Aerospace Day at Willow Run Airport.

Mike Eller wins Republican nomination for Michigan's District 32

By Lilly Kujawski · Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026

Mike Eller won the Republican nomination for Michigan's District 32 in the August primary.